What is
the purpose of this site?
The list has been set up to document sexual impropriety and other abuse
by Swami Shyam (Shyam Srivastava).
What do we know?
We know that Mr. Srivastava has had sexual relations with many of his
female disciples, that some of them have been young, that both Mr. Srivastava
and his close associates have made aggressive efforts to suppress this
information.
What harm has been done?
These secret activities have contributed to the breakup of marriages and
other close relationships, and it has created considerable pain, confusion,
doubt, depression and fear. At least one attempted suicide has been associated
to this story and at least half a dozen women who found themselves in
the subculture of supression, jealousy, rage and denial that surrounds
Mr. Srivastava have reported feeling suicidal.
A number of people have been incapacitated by complete mental breakdowns following extended periods of verbal abuse.
Is Mr. Srivastava still sexually involved with his students?
There has been no recent evidence however the literature suggests that
sexual offenders normally continue to a very advanced age unless there
is some kind of intervention.
Does Mr. Srivastava know about these allegations and if he does what
does he say about it?
He has spoken privately with several persons and admitted having a sexual
relationship with the adult women. He has briefly mentioned in public
that women were 'giving him massage and touched my organ'. In short, he
has tried to dismiss the accusations by maintaining that they were unimportant
and, most perversely, that he was the victim of their sexual interest.
How long has this been going on?
About twenty years. Since at least the mid seventies to the early nineties.
What about the adult women - aren't they considered to be 'consenting
adults'?
Absolutely not. The conduct guidelines that apply to therapists, doctors,
counsellors, teachers and university professors are just as applicable
to spiritual leaders. Perhaps more so, given the extraordinary power exercised
by Mr. Srivastava which went far beyond the role of a therapist or teacher.
If this is true why didn't anyone see that it was happening?
Certainly some people did see it and chose to keep quiet, some people
tried to speak out and were silenced (in at least one case with the involuntary
injection of tranquilizers), and most of us saw plenty of clues but chose
not to put them together.
I'm pretty disturbed. What resources are there to help me deal with
this?
Unfortunately, because Swami and IMI are still in denial there is not
much help on that side. In North America, the Kripalu Institute went through
a similar crisis in the early 90's they might have some suggestions.
Are there any books that might give me insight?
A number of people have found The Guru Papers offers an interesting perspective.
You can get a copy and learn more about it at www.amazon.com.